Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381) screw size
M1.2 / M1.4 / M1.6 / M2 · length not stated in the sources
Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381) takes M1.2, M1.4, M1.6 and M2 metric screws. None of the sources we found gives an exact length, so measure the original before you order.
There are 4 separate fitment records for it, including standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.2 x 0.25 for frames, hinges and pads (M1.2), standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.4 x 0.3, common hinge/temple screw (M1.4) and standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.6 x 0.35, hinge and barrel screws (M1.6), plus 1 more in the table below.
4 of the 4 records are marked confirmed, drawn from 1 source (cdn.standards.iteh.ai).
An M1.2 screw is 1.2 mm in diameter with a 0.25 mm pitch, tapped with a 0.95 mm drill; imperial look-alike: #0-80 UNF (1.52 mm) is the closest imperial screw, but it is bigger — not a substitute.
Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381) screw specifications
One row per fitment record. Head, drive are shown only where the source states them; pitch is the ISO coarse pitch for the thread.
| Thread | Length | Pitch | Head | Drive | Where it goes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1.2 | not stated | 0.25 mm | not stated | not stated | standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.2 x 0.25 for frames, hinges and pads | Confirmed |
| M1.4 | not stated | 0.3 mm | not stated | not stated | standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.4 x 0.3, common hinge/temple screw | Confirmed |
| M1.6 | not stated | 0.35 mm | not stated | not stated | standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.6 x 0.35, hinge and barrel screws | Confirmed |
| M2 | not stated | 0.4 mm | not stated | not stated | standard ophthalmic screw thread M2 x 0.4 on larger frames and sunglasses | Confirmed |
Fitment records and sources
standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.2 x 0.25 for frames, hinges and pads
pitch 0.25 mm · tap 0.95 mm · clearance 1.4 mm · PH000 / JIS 00 / Torx T1–T2
standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.4 x 0.3, common hinge/temple screw
pitch 0.3 mm · tap 1.1 mm · clearance 1.6 mm · PH000 / PH00 / Torx T2–T3
standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.6 x 0.35, hinge and barrel screws
pitch 0.35 mm · tap 1.25 mm · clearance 1.8 mm · PH00 / Torx T4–T5
standard ophthalmic screw thread M2 x 0.4 on larger frames and sunglasses
pitch 0.4 mm · tap 1.6 mm · clearance 2.4 mm · PH0 / Torx T6
How to check the screw before you buy
- If the hinge barrel is stripped, an oversize or self-tapping repair screw is the usual fix rather than the original size.
- Diameter: across the threads an M1.2 screw measures about 1.2 mm with calipers (usually a hair under). This device also uses M1.4 / M1.6 / M2, so measure each screw rather than assuming they match.
- Pitch: 0.25 mm from one thread crest to the next (40 crests per centimetre). A thread pitch gauge or the pitch-gauge tool settles it in seconds.
- Length: measure from under the head to the tip for pan, button, wafer and cap heads; countersunk (flat) heads are measured overall.
- Driver: the source does not name the drive. Standard M1.2 heads take PH000 / JIS 00 for Phillips and T1–T2 for Torx; a bit that fits loosely will cam out and strip the head.
- Tightening: no device-specific torque is published in these records. The site's general figure for M1.2 is about 5-8 N·cm into metal threads and 3-5 N·cm into plastic bosses; snug it up and stop.
Common mix-ups with M1.2 / M1.4 / M1.6 / M2
- M1.2 and M1.4 look identical in an eyeglass repair kit — the wrong one strips soft acetate or metal hinges.
- Eyewear screws are named thread x shaft x length, a different convention from ISO metric naming — easy to order wrong.
- Heavier metal sunglass hinges use M1.6 while acetate frames use M1.4 or M1.2; you cannot tell without calipers.
- M2 (2.00mm, 0.4mm pitch) is NOT the same as #2-56 UNC (2.18mm) — close enough to cross-thread and strip if forced.
More in Eyewear
The same screw also fits
Devices whose records share a thread with Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381), closest length match first.
- Spectacle frame hinge screws (ISO 11381 standard) also M1.4
- Sunglasses & heavier metal frames also M1.6
- Eyeglass & sunglass metal hinges also M1.4
- Eyeglass long self-aligning hinge screw also M1.4
- Eyeglasses/sunglasses hinge self-tapping screw also M1.2
- Eyewire / hinge screw, large head (QTE Vigor 80086) also M1.4
- Spectacle frame temple/nose-pad screws (ISO 11381 standard) also M2
- Eyeglass nose pads also M1.2
Questions about Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381) screws
- What size screw does Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381) use?
- M1.2 for standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.2 x 0.25 for frames, hinges and pads; M1.4 for standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.4 x 0.3, common hinge/temple screw; M1.6 for standard ophthalmic screw thread M1.6 x 0.35, hinge and barrel screws; M2 for standard ophthalmic screw thread M2 x 0.4 on larger frames and sunglasses.
- How long are the screws in Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381)?
- None of the sources states a length. Remove one screw and measure it from under the head to the tip (overall for a countersunk head).
- What is the thread pitch of an M1.2 screw?
- 0.25 mm (coarse), which is the standard pitch for M1.2 machine screws. The tap drill is 0.95 mm and the normal clearance hole is 1.4 mm.
- What screwdriver do I need for Spectacle / eyeglass frames (ISO 11381)?
- The sources do not name the drive. For M1.2, Phillips heads normally take PH000 / JIS 00 and Torx heads T1–T2.
- Can I use an imperial screw instead of M1.2?
- No. Imperial look-alike: #0-80 UNF (1.52 mm) is the closest imperial screw, but it is bigger — not a substitute. Use a true M1.2 screw so it does not cross-thread or strip the hole.